J.J. Murphy: ‘Game Of Thrones’ Actor Dies Days Into Filming Season Five

So sad. J.J. Murphy, who was set to play Ser Denys Mallister in season five of ‘Game of Thrones,’ died on Aug. 8 just days into filming the new season. He was 86.

J.J. Murphy died on Aug. 8 at the age of 86. J.J. was four days into filming season five of Game Of Thrones when he passed away. The actor was cast as Ser Denys Mallister in the highly-anticipated fifth season.

J.J. Murphy: ‘Game Of Thrones’ Actor Dies At 86

The newly-cast Game of Thrones actor collapsed and passed away on Aug. 8, according to the Belfast Telegraph.

J.J. was set to play Ser Denys Mallister on hit HBO show. Ser Denys is a knight of House Mallister and the oldest member of the Night’s Watch. He is also the commander of Shadow Tower.

The cast had just returned to set to film the new season.

Game of Thrones producers, D.B. Weiss and David Benioff, issued a statement on J.J.’s death, according to Variety.

“We will not be recasting J.J. Murphy,” they wrote.”He was a lovely man, and the best Denys Mallister we could have hoped for. And now his watch is ended.”

J.J.’s other acting credits include Angela’s Ashes, Puckoon, Faraway and the upcoming film, Dracula Untold. He was a prominent stage actor in Belfast, Variety reports. He’s co-starred on stage with Liam Neeson and Game of Thrones, co-star, Ciaran Hinds.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to J.J.’s family and friends, as well as the cast and crew of Game of Thrones.